Expert: Chris - 2/4/2010

Question
Kiki,

I was wondering like what kind of diet you could be on if you are a little overweight and want to lose a couple pounds? Also i was wondering what kind of stretches and workout you should to do become more flexible for high school tryouts. Any tips would be great! I am open to any ideas. and would love tons of help. My tumbling is okay but what extra things should i do to have more rebound in my multiple back handsprings?

Sorry if some of this doesn't make any sense.

Jordyn

Answer
Unfortunately I don't have much information on diet suggestions other than things I'm sure you've heard. I also don't know much about tumbling. However, flexibility and stretching happens to be one of my areas of expertise.

The only way to get more flexibility is to stretch every single day. The first few weeks you start stretching are the most important. It's hard to discipline yourself, but it's incredibly important. You seem eager to improve, and flexibility is a great thing to work on.

Sit in a straddle and reach to the right, left, and middle. I'm sure you've done this before, but if you do it at least once a day every day it will help. Make sure you're stretching to the point where you can feel the muscle stretching. Hold the stretch for about 10 seconds. Once stretching in the typical straddle and pike positions I suggest working on body positions (scorpion, scale, etc.). Even if you're not a flier it's a great way to get flexibility. Heel stretches and bow and arrows work on stretching your legs while scorps, scales, and arabesques work on back flexibility. To stretch your back sit in a split. After you can sit on the floor in a split, reach over your head and lean backwards as if you're trying to reach your back foot. Once you've mastered this place a pillow underneath your back leg to raise it a little higher, and repeat the exercise.

I know it can be frustrating and boring sometimes to stretch, but it's very satisfying when you achieve something. I'm a flier and it took me about 3 years to get all my body positions. I stretched every single day in front of the mirror. So turn on some music or watch TV and get stretching!

Another tip: When in the straddle stretch, point your toes and point your knees towards the back. This will help your toe touches.